In October 2021, Facebook changed its name to Meta and announced plans to create 10,000 new highly skilled jobs in the European Union (EU) to help shape the metaverse.
As it turns out, Facebook isn’t the only one betting big on the growth of the metaverse, more than 160 companies are also jumping in.
What is the metaverse and what kind of metaverse jobs are there?
Broadly speaking, the metaverse is a shared virtual world. In theory, more people will be able to create an avatar and travel to this immersive experiences virtual world to socialize, play, work, create, shop or even remotely attend a concert or sporting event using VR headsets.
What is defining feature of metaverse?
Like the transition to Web 2.0, mobile technologies, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the metaverse is creating new IT and hybrid job opportunities that require a combination of technical and non-technical skills.
To help your career thrive in the metaverse functionalities, here’s a look at 6 roles that are in demand right now and poised to explode in the future.
1. AR / VR Software Engineers
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) metaverse jobs remote are all the rage, with demand up 1,400% in 2019 alone, according to a new report from the State of Software Engineers. But that may be just the tip of the iceberg as the metaverse expands.
Over the next decade, companies are going to need thousands of software engineers with AR/VR skills to develop the next computing platform, software, and applications of the metaverse. Currently, AR and VR software engineers earn between $135,000 and $150,000 in major U.S. tech hubs. How can you profit?
Given the rapid evolution of augmented and virtual reality application technologies, tools, software development kits (SDKs), and blockchain technology stacks in the enterprise metaverse, machine learning the fundamentals is the best way.
AR/VR skills in the metaverse
In addition to computer science skills, you’ll need to be familiar with interactive 3D technologies and the three areas that fall under the extended reality (XR) umbrella: virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR).
You will also need experience with several of the most popular programming languages for the metaverse, such as C, C#, C++, JavaScript, Python, Solidity, and Rust. Some of the most popular tools and technologies to focus on are Unreal Engine, Unity, Amazon Sumerian, Autodesk Maya, and open-source Blender.
Since the apps, games, or “experiences” you create must be easy to use, it helps to be familiar with user experience (UX) design. Of course, developing scalable, high-performance code requires familiarity with architecture and secure coding practices.
Since software engineers often work in teams, you’ll also need emotional intelligence, good communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as empathy, adaptability, resilience, and, of course, creativity.
While there are many training options, including university programs, you can also attend an accelerated boot camp or take online courses to deep learning the basics.
2. Product Managers in the Metaverse
Given the growth of metaverse users and the anticipated demand for products and content, companies are going to need even more product community manager to take charge of the end-user experience, test and troubleshoot new products, evangelize new initiatives and drive product development with multiple teams of engineers, designers, and product specialists.
The rush has already begun. Of the approximately 3,200 jobs posted on Meta’s job page, nearly 2,400 are for various types of product managers. Other companies advertising for metaverse product managers include Snap, Google, and Oculus, among others.
The product manager is a highly visible position that can have a huge impact on a company’s bottom line. Not surprisingly, experienced professionals are already among the most sought-after candidates, with median salaries of $123,365 and up to $176,000.
Product management skills in the metaverse projects.
While technical skills and a keen understanding of the development and creative environments are required, the product manager is a hybrid role that doesn’t require coding knowledge. Best of all, it’s a stepping stone for blockchain developers looking to flex their non-technical muscles and transition into management.
If you want to develop your product management skills, consider taking some online courses or enrolling in a product management Bootcamp.
3. 3D Game Designers
While there will always be a need for programmers and developers to turn a game designer’s vision into a playable game, Unity recently noted that game creation already tends to have many more artists relative to the number of technologists. Industry experts expect this ratio to increase as the metaverse grows. Who are the artists charged with building the metaverse game experience?
As the creative force behind video game development, game designers in the metaverse will be responsible for designing, prototyping, and building a fully immersive 3D gaming experience that will engage gamers like never before.
The metaverse will allow game designers to expand their skills and attract new users, legitimizing gaming as a career path, according to Meysam Moradpour, CEO of Moments. Currently, the median salary for a 3D game designer in the U.S. is $78,000.
Game design skills in the metaverse
If you want to break into the world builder of video games as a 3D designer, keep in mind that a wide range of technical, interpersonal, and creative skills are required. For example, you’ll need solid knowledge of computer animation, metaverse design jobs, 3D modeling and backgrounds, illustration, lighting, game interfaces, and more. You may also need basic programming skills and will undoubtedly need to be proficient in popular game software programs such as Unity, Blender, Maya, and Unreal Engine.
To qualify for any position that combines Digital art and technology, you’ll also need creativity, excellent communication and collaboration skills, leadership, and a strong analytical mind. Some play games design degrees combine soft skills and technical knowledge that lead to success in the field.
How to make NFTs into avatars in metaverse?
4. Storytellers
Storytellers will also benefit from the evolution of the metaverse. Unlike current video game writers, metaverse storytellers will operate at a higher level and will be responsible for crafting an immersive and compelling storyline for various genres of games and different experiences, such as social, action, sports, simulation, puzzle, role-playing, educational, or training games.
For example, with music events taking place within the game, Fortnite and Minecraft have transformed into more than just a game.
5. Metaverse Research Scientist
The Metaverse is a digital reality. The role of a Metaverse Research Scientist is significant, for they are in charge of forming the foundation of future Metaverse Applications. A Metaverse Research Scientist has to have a proper set of skills of all the essential tools like.
- Software Engineering
- Data Science
- Metaverse game development
- Machine Learning
- Computer Engineering
- Deep Learning
- Data Vision
- Big Data Engineering
The Metaverse Research Scientist has to be responsible for architecting the development of almost everything and all the applications in the Metaverse.
6. Hardware Engineers
The metaverse will not only be built on code, games, and apps; operating in a perpetually available 3D environment will require the development of new cameras, headsets, sensors, and wearables.
These technologies already exist, but a lot of work needs to be done to make them wireless, comfortable, lightweight, and able to communicate touch, emotions, or the environment.
For example, a hardware systems engineer at Facebook Reality Labs helps design, drive strategy, and build and test prototypes for future augmented reality, virtual land, and consumer wearable experiences.
Hot hardware skills in the metaverse
Several years of experience in product development or embedded systems design and a background in electrical, computer vision, mechanical or optical engineering, or physics may qualify you for a virtual reality hardware engineer position.
You will also need to be familiar with important virtual reality concepts and tools, such as computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) software, degree of freedom (DoF), haptics, eye tracking, head tracking, a field of view, etc.
To become a true expert in VR engineering, it is obvious that a lot of knowledge will have to be mastered, starting with programming languages and data collection and analysis tools. Also AI, robotics, sensors, or cameras, depending on the product to be developed and its use.
7. Metaverse Architect Job
The Metaverse Architecture Studio is in charge of designing and developing for Decentraland, Somnium, The Sandbox, and all the worlds of the Metaverse. They bring your brand to the virtual world playfully and engagingly.
The Metaverse was first conceived in science fiction books like ‘SnowCrash’ and made tangible with experiments like ‘Second Life. Today, games like Roblox have proven that the model is ripe for business. Projects in the blockchain metaverse are creating a new paradigm for real estate.
With the rapid advancement of technology, new business models are being developed in the Metaverse. So they specialize in developing metaverse properties designed to give you a return on investment.
Teams of game developers, architects, and digital entrepreneurs are well-positioned to build your business in the Metaverse. Hailing from Malta, we have the experience and regulatory expertise to develop exciting projects, from NFT galleries to fully licensed crypto casinos.
Marketing skills in the metaverse
To succeed in what is being called the next frontier of marketing, specialists will need a wide range of technical expertise, business acumen, vision, and creativity, as well as the ability to analyze data and trends to formulate a long-term strategy.
Take your skills to the next level by listening to podcasts on the metaverse, following thought leaders, or completing an online course that delves into the metaverse and the future of XR technology in marketing.
Final thoughts
As you can see, job title and career paths are beginning to crystallize within the metaverse economy. While many metaverse jobs with no experience will focus on IT and engineering, professionals with solid and soft skills, technical prowess, and business acumen may also get in on the first floor in non-technical or hybrid roles and see their prospects increase. Those who embrace the metaverse early on and broaden their skill sets could be the real winners. The metaverse is coming: are you ready to dive in?
